Essay On Nylon-6

Introduction

Nylon-6, 6 is a polyamide and was successfully discovered in 1899. 1 There are many commercial uses for this nylon-type of polymers such as, ropes, cords, pvc pipes, clothes, etc. 1 The reaction of two bifunctional monomer; adipoyl chloride and 1,6-hexanediamine, can synthesize Nylon-6,6. The purpose of this experiment was to demonstrate a polymerization reaction to obtain nylon-6,6 through a condensation reaction between adipoyl chloride and 1,6-hexanediamine monomers. We were able to characterize the polymer using IR spectroscopy. This reaction between the two bifunctional monomers is characterized as a “step-growth” polymerization reaction. The polymer can increase its chain length by combining with one another or with monomers.

The first peak with a wavelength of 2952.44cm-1 was found to have a literature value of 2840-3000cm-1. This particular peak can be identified as an alkane functional group, displaying a methyl C-H symmetric stretch. This functional group was at the core of the compound The C-H bonds revealed minimal polarity. The second recorded peak was measured at 1779.80cm-1. This peak was classified as an anhydride functional group, having a C=O stretch, with a strong and sharp peak. The literature value was found to be a range of 1785-1815. Thus, we can deduce that the carbonyl group was attached to the Cl. The third major peak at 1404.56cm-1, was observed as an alkane C-H in-plane bend. The literature value read 1375-1450cm-1, with a medium, sharp peak common in an in-plane bending motion bond. The fourth major peak recognized was a Halo compound C-Cl stretch. Its observed wavelength was recorded at 681.43cm-1 with a literature value of 550-850cm-1. Its direct bond with Cl results in a strong and sharp peak. The peaks discovered in the IR spectrum can distinguish the functional groups to validate adipoyl chloride’s